Chapter 1: Racing Blue
Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, April 1940
The rhythm of my wings beat against the gentle breeze. The air was crisp and cool but filled with the scent of spring. Just weeks ago, a dusting of snow had covered the ground, but now the land was carpeted in colour. Below me, sunshine-daffodils bloomed and fragrant magnolias peeped through gaps of towering pines.
I turned at the stables towards Sandringham House. The green dome on the roof shone like a beacon in the morning sun. I soared over the pointed gables and clusters of red-brick chimney stacks, across the perfectly pruned formal gardens and neatly trimmed lawns.
I glanced behind me. Khan was rapidly approaching. I tilted my head and flapped, faster and faster, following the meandering stream past the lake guarded by the ancient oak. A sharp left took me over the cobbled lane where Old Shire pulled his milk cart packed with clattering crates. He whinnied a greeting, but there was no time to chat.
The turrets of the village school were in sight. My heart thumped. My feathers tingled. I concentrated all my energy, straining my muscles and pounding my wings.
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